Early JRDGs were actually not hot at all. The distortion was more like a fine fuzzy texture. Good enough for HT but not music IMO. The new D-amps are nothing like the early Ts, Ices' and Hypex'. The new Bel Cantos and CIAs will give many linear amps a good run for overall value I think. I haven't heard the H2Os but I've gotten very good feedback on them from a couple of very @nal retentive friends of mine in the US.
This could end up in an exercise in what is different about class D. 8 years ago, that little, "Yes we can," amp set me on the course where I am now. There were plenty of interim stages with each clear sounding component addition to my system. With the same amps, and preamp I have now, these were the five major stages of sound:
1) I had an Audio Note One.1. My cables were Siltech. The sound was dynamic, with good stage, but was a bit gruff.
2) I changed the speaker cabling to Speltz Anti-Cables. The gruffness was removed. The sound now was clear, but rolled off on highs and lows. The midrange was ethereal. Overall, it was an addictive sound, and I was stuck there for awhile.
3) At a friends house, I heard the Anti-Cable compared to an early Shunyata Helix cable. The Helix showed a much better treble and bass, but the mids weren't quite as clear IMO. Noting some cable chatter from Europe, I decided to try DIY ribbon cables. I had had the Spelz cables in. I punched the PSA transport on, and, boom, I was knocked backwards. The sound became so right. The highs, and lows were there, plus a very clear midrange.
From here on out, the improvements have been a, "Pinch me, I think I'm dreaming," experience.
5) I upgraded my DAC to a 2.1. Afterwards I sent it to my brilliant amp builder friend who sent it back with the expected major improvement. I also changed my transport from the PSA, to the 47 labs Flatfish. My preamp also went in for some multi point upgrading. I improved my DIY cables. Finally, I added the Speltz digital cable. That was a lot of changes in a short time. With multiple break ins going on, I witnessed a fabulous transformation to my sound. It is like a butterfly emerging from it's chrysalis. As the wings dry, the colorful pattern emerges.
This all happened within the last 4 months. With these changes, the sound has reached it's zenith. Grand piano is full, warm, spirited, dynamic, and fully spotlighted. Singers are in the flesh. I have a first row seat in speak easies, concert halls, recording studios, stadiums, and lizard lounges. I could go on and on for a thousand words and still not got across what I am hearing. It has to be heard to be believed. Steve will make that short drive to my house. A very influential audio inventor will visit. I encourage everyone who lives in northern California to stop by. I serve great wine and lovely pizza.
There are a few more changes I would like to try. I will probably upgrade the DAC again. I may pass the ribbon cables through the speaker. I haven't mentioned power cables. On this system they do make a big difference. I will probably try some new power cables. Room treatment is a tough one. This is our home. My wife rules the roost.
In conclusion, the answer is, class D is not wanting. Our understanding of class D is wanting. I have taken this wild bull by the horns like the Minoans of old. Class D is not for the timid.